Having a green thumb is a skill that requires practice and patience; however, the (literal) fruits that one can bear make it well worth the pursuit. It appears that in addition to her clear talents as a vocalist, Carrie Underwood is leaning into the practice of growing produce, as evidenced by a recent TikTok.
The American Idol season four winner and Before He Cheats singer posted a video of her home's robust garden, which features an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, beets, snap peas, mushrooms, and zucchini.
'Here’s a little look into my world when I’m not on stage,' she captioned the post. 'I’m proud of the garden I’m growing…literally and metaphorically speaking. Enjoy a little moment of calm.' It's excellent fodder for any upcoming gardening ideas – as well as inspiration for mindful living.
@carrieunderwood ♬ Garden - Carrie Underwood
Gardening is undoubtedly a practical hobby – farm-to-table takes on a whole new meaning when it's a personal farm and dining space – but it turns out the benefits extend beyond the physical results. According to experts, planting and growing our own fruits and vegetables can have a noticeable impact on our moods.
'Gardening offers multiple mental health benefits through various mechanisms,' says mental health practitioner Natalie Rosado. 'The act of gardening is inherently calming and can significantly reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol, the body's stress hormone. Engaging with nature has been shown to enhance mood and increase feelings of happiness and contentment, often referred to as nature therapy.'
While bringing in natural elements to the home can provide a sense of calm, there's nothing like getting outside for the real deal. Plus, Rosado says that the act of gardening itself functions as an achievement to be proud of.
'Gardening also provides a sense of accomplishment as individuals nurture plants from seeds to full bloom, which can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose,' she explains. 'The repetitive tasks involved in gardening, such as weeding, planting, and watering, can foster mindfulness, helping individuals focus on the present moment and alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms.'
While Underwood has opted for mostly edible seedlings, for those wanting to up the relaxation ante, Rosado has a few recommendations.
'Incorporating plants like lavender, chamomile, and dark leafy greens into our lives can have profound effects on reducing stress, enhancing mood, and promoting overall brain health,' she says.
It all begins with a seed. We can follow Underwood's lead and experiment with our own vegetable garden with these organic seeds below.
